The most beautiful secret islands in Asia and how to find them

Palawan in the Philippines or Thailand’s Koh Samui, deserve their place in the ‘Top 10 most beautiful islands in Asia’ list. But some of the loveliest Asian islands are also ones you never hear about, until now. If you want to know their secret, all is revealed here.

Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia

Song Saa Island: a secret slice of paradise in south west Cambodia

Part of the Koh Rang archipelago in south west Cambodia, privately owned by Song Saa Resort is a pioneer in sustainable travel.

In fact, the resort actually established Cambodia’s first protected marine reserve on Song Saa. And today it cares for everything from the island’s ethereal beaches and wild rainforest to the phosphorescent plankton which magically lights up the sea after dark.

The resort’s credo is, “Luxury that treads lightly”, and unimaginably beautiful is its overall look. However, families are very welcome, and kid-size adventures are also part of island life.

Havelock, one of the loveliest secret islands in Asia

Havelock Island, India: one of the best kept secret islands in Asia

Imagine no international airport, no crowds, very little in the way of development, and a beach where elephants come to swim in the morning. If any of that sounds enchanting, it’s all waiting for you on Havelock Island.

One of the Andaman Islands, off the south east coast of India, Havelock is warm and sunny most of the year. There isn’t a lot to do here, although kayaking through the jungle is fun for kids. Alternatively, the exquisite white beaches, shallow seas and elephants on the sand could well be all you need.

Pom Pom Island, Borneo

Pom Pom Island: Borneo tops the list for secret islands in Asia

Tiny Pom Pom Island sits just off the south west coast of Borneo. It’s surrounded by the Celebes Sea, and takes less than an hour to walk round.

There are almost more Hawksbill and Green sea turtles here than people, the coral gardens are spectacular and temperatures sit between 25 and 30˚ year round. Even rainy season isn’t much more than an occasional shower in July and August.

As an added bonus, Pom Pom is surrounded by another six islands and it’s a paradise spot for scuba diving.

Flores and the Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia

Flores, Indonesia: near neighbour to legendary Komodo Island

One of the Lesser Sunda Islands, Flores is just over an hour’s flight from Bali. It hasn’t really been discovered, yet, so you can expect to have its spectacular crater lakes and pristine beaches, sky-piercing volcanic peaks, ancient villages, and lush, unexplored jungle, almost all to yourself.

If you do see other visitors, chances are they’re here in search of Komodo Dragons. Flores is near neighbour to Komodo Island and a day sail to see the world’s largest lizards is an unforgettable experience for kids. If you go, choose a cruise with time for Komodo’s pink sand beaches and fabulous snorkelling.

Macaque in rainforest, Con Dao, Vietnam

Con Dao, Vietnam: dream islands for wildlife loving kids

All the secret islands of Asia aren’t just nodding palm trees and deserted beaches. Some of them are just less visited, but really quite lively when you get to know them.

The Con Dao archipelago is a group of small, mountainous islands off the south west coast of Vietnam. Con Son is only inhabited islands and mixes escapist beaches with French colonial seaside towns and historical intrigue. Although if serious wildlife spotting is high on your island agenda, it’s also the place for giant black squirrels, rare geckos and rainforests packed with macaques.

Sangat Island beach, Philippines © Tao Sangat Island Dive Resort

Sangat Island, Philippines: one of the most ethical islands in Asia

The only limestone island in the Calamanian archipelago, Sangat sits just north of Palawan. It’s privately owned by Tao Sangat Island Dive Resort and managed to almost impossibly ethical standards, so if you’re in search of exotic wildlife, pristine marine reserves, intact coral gardens, and heavenly beaches, this is the place to find them.

The island also has its own tropical fruit and nut plantations, an evergreen mangrove maze, and even protects one of the ancestral burial grounds of the local Tagbanua Tribe.

Koh Kood one of the most peaceful secret islands in Asia

Ko Kood Island, Thailand: just how you imagine a secret island should be

Closer to Cambodia than Bangkok, Ko Kood is just how you imagine secret islands in Asia should be.  White beaches are sheltered by lush forest and resorts so sparsely scattered, it’s possible to believe yours is the one and only.

Ko Chang Island is just a short sail away, if you feel in need of a lively day out. But most families prefer to just take the occasional jungle hike, snorkel some and just bask in the tranquillity of Ko Kood itself.

Spa at Telunas Private Island near Singapore

Telunas Island, Indonesia: close to Singapore and a world of its own

Telunas Island is a switch-off-everything-and-just-breathe kind of place for families of escapists.

The island’s privately owned by Telunas Resort, but the atmosphere is more Indonesian family than luxury hotel. Overwater bungalows are designed so you can jump out of bed and into the sea. Kids can kayak constantly, swim in the pool or go explore the jungle, which really does feels like uncharted territory.

There are Wooden phinisi boats take you sailing and the beaches are beautiful. In fact Telunas feels like another world, so you might be surprised by how close it is to Singapore.

Beach houses on Koh Lipe, Thailand

Koh Lipe, Thailand: one of the secret islands in Asia floating in the Andaman Sea

Part of the Tatarutao National Marine Park, Koh Lipe sits in the Andaman Sea, close to the border of Malaysia. It’s said to have the most beautiful beaches in Thailand, and you can have quite a lot of them to yourself.

Kho Lipe is one of those islands in Asia that’s too far off the beaten track to be touristy, so authenticity is its trademark. The Marine Park’s coral-rich waters are great for diving and local sites include 8 Mile Rock pinnacle and Yong Hua Shipwreck. Although kids who’re too young for scuba can also snorkel in the clear seas, go on jungle hikes or just play on those beaches.

Apo Island, the Philippines

Apo Island, Philippines: conservation leader of islands in Asia

A few decades ago locals stopped fishing round Apo Island and turned their attention to conservation instead. As a result, Apo is now surrounded by one of the best protected marine reserves in the Philippines, and you’re more than welcome to visit.

The atmosphere’s beachy and easy going. Kids will love being able to swim with turtles and it’s a great place to try diving for the first time. However, if you want to spend a few days really living like an islander, homestays are wonderfully welcoming and very family friendly on Apo.

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